As We Fall

Fifty Five Centimeters

Rehearsal that day was... awkwardly interesting. I didn't answer his question. We stood there, knowing that this feeling wasn't right. I was about to say something until we heard the sounds of someone running, to which I took the opportunity to see who it was. I didn't manage to see who it was but based on the blonde hair that flickered from the corner of the hallway, I think it was Avalon.

Why she was running, however, was something I didn't know why.

It could have been anyone.

Gerry and I finished off our practice as usual, but it was oddly silent and I didn't feel the passion. He's probably hating me right now. I don't blame him. The girl he likes is in love with another guy who's out of her league. Gerry is also out of my league, but I don't feel anything romantic to him. Besides, I would just hold him back from his dreams. He can be so much more without worrying about him.

It's better that he doesn't feel anything romantic towards me.

'It's Xavier isn't it?'

I'm sorry Gerry, but... it is him.

When I got home, I plopped my head into my pillow in my bedroom. I screamed into it because I really can't believe what happened today. I didn't want to break Gerry's heart; I don't want to break anyone's heart full stop.

"Hey buddy, are you okay?" My dad asked as he knocked on my door.

"No, dad! I'm not."

"Alright, buddy! Let's talk about it," He sat down by my bed. I felt something fuzzy by my arm and I noticed it was dad poking me with Stevenism. "What's up Mayuri?"

"Gerry just told me he liked me, as in like like me, but... I like someone else, dad." I sighed as I sat down on my bed and crossed my leg. I was hugging Stevenism tightly.

"You like boys? It seems like yesterday you were just a little girl caring about toys and dollies," He fakes cried and hugged me. "But wait, who is this boy that you like?"

"Ummm... uh...," I scratched my head and looked to the left, laughing nervously. "He's no one dad! There's no boy I like! Hahahahaha!"

"Hey, come you can tell me anything Mayuri."

Well... if I want to be a better daughter to my dad, and if I want to mend my relationship, being honest with him is important.

"I... I like Xavier dad," I said, blushing and hiding my face behind Stevenism. "I know it's cliché dad but I fell in love with my best friend!"

My dad laughed and took Stevenism away from me. I tried to reach for him but dad put him away on the desk before holding my hand.

"Mayuri, love is natural, especially at your age," He said as he smiled and kissed my forehead. "Love is natural. Loving your best friend is also natural. But you can't lie to Gerry, and you can't lie to yourself. Your emotions are your emotions. You can't help how you feel; you just feel it and do it. So don't be afraid. I'll support you one hundred percent."

"Dad..." I hugged him and smiled. "I... I don't want to tell Xavier..."

"What's wrong? You should tell him how you feel."

"I... I don't want him to fall in love with my dad," I said as I say back in my position. "Dad... I want him to be happy. He deserves better. Gerry deserves better. I don't want to hold them back."

"You're not going to hold them back Mayuri," He said as he held my hand. "If they love you, it's what they want to do, for you. Love is about giving and taking, and if he or Gerry or whoever wants to spend the rest of their lives with you, then they're going to do so, because being with you is their dream."